THE first North Wales school to be placed in special measures is making “significant progress” according to officials.

Blessed Edward Jones Roman Catholic High School in Rhyl gained the dubious honour of being the first of the region’s school to go into special measures in December last year.

But a return visit by school inspectors Estyn has identified a change in fortunes – even if the problems took too long to acknowledge.

Last year’s Estyn report said the school had made “little or no sustained improvement” over the years and that “school management have failed to resolve fully” a number of faults.

An action plan was put into place, but headteacher Albie Cheetham was put on absence of leave in June, weeks before a second Estyn inspection.

A summary report, to go before Denbighshire’s lifelong learning scrutiny committee on Wednesday, said: “The overall progress made up until June has been too slow because of inadequate leadership and co-ordination...

“Visits by local authority officers, discussions with teachers, support staff, parents and pupils indicate that the school is now making significant progress...

“The acting headteacher is aware that the school has not reached the starting line in many areas and is taking appropriate action to address these issues.

“Since the acting headteacher took up her post, the local authority is more confident that the school will make the necessary actions to improve.”

Another Estyn inspection of the school is likely to take place next month.